Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam

The thin outer layer of the heart that contains the coronary arteries is indeed the epicardium. The epicardium serves as a protective layer and is made up of connective tissue and fat. This layer is critical as it not only forms part of the heart wall but also provides a pathway for the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle, including the coronary arteries. These arteries are essential for delivering oxygenated blood to the heart tissue itself so that it can function effectively.

The epicardium is often confused with surrounding structures, but it is distinguished by its direct association with the heart's surface and the presence of coronary vessels. The pericardium refers to the fibrous sac that surrounds the heart, providing additional protection and anchoring the heart within the thoracic cavity but is not the layer that contains coronary arteries. The myocardium is the muscular middle layer of the heart, responsible for the heart's contractions, while the endocardium is the inner layer that lines the heart chambers and valves, playing a role in maintaining the integrity of blood flow.